Blog

Today’s blog is different than most: you won’t find a recipe, craft, or DIY project. I want to share a nature story that is happening just outside my door at the lake. Living in New Hampshire I get the opportunity to see an abundance of wildlife. Turkey and deer in fields, a family of fox living across the street, and even an occasional bear—they love the smell of burgers on the grill. The nature story I want to share is one I’ve never experienced before...a robin's nest on the light fixture of our farmer’s porch.

Three little eggs sitting in the nest.

Let’s go back in time for just a moment. On a rainy day in July I noticed a bird flying under the roof of the farmers porch. I didn’t think much of it because I was under the impression that birds nest in early summer. However, I was mistaken; according to many sources robins may lay as many as three clutches of eggs and build a new nest for each clutch. The robin built her nest on the top of my light fixture next to the front door. Hannah and John had a nesting robin on top of the light fixture at their apartment that they named Tammy, so Phil and I named our robin Sammy! My best guess is that this is Sammy’s second clutch and nest.

On July 21st, my husband took a photo to (hopefully) document the existence of eggs, and we were excited to see that there were three! Sammy had been sitting on the nest very diligently. She was protecting and incubating three beautiful blue eggs! My husband and I left for a long weekend away, and I hoped that all would be well with the nest while we were away. Upon our return, Sammy was still on the nest and I breathed a sigh of relief. On Tuesday (8/1), knowing that I was again leaving for a trip, I quickly snapped a photo of the nest—a rather off center photo—it showed two very newly born robins and one unhatched egg. Sammy was doing a great job!

Three little cuddling nestlings.

The nest now houses three beautiful and seemingly always hungry baby robins. I call them nestlings—a bird that is too young to leave its nest! If the information I have gathered is correct, the nestlings will be leaving within the upcoming week. While I will be sad to see them leave, I know Sammy will be keeping her eye on them for a while longer.

It’s funny how life twists and turns! As many of you know, my own empty nest has influenced my life in different ways.

Seemingly always hungry nestlings!

My car’s license plate is MT-N3ST, a reference to my own children being grown and out of the house.

My empty nest inspired me to start TU living and my store The Modern Nestling!

If you are unfamiliar with The Modern Nestling, let me introduce you. It’s a store for the stylish baby, offering a modern take on a traditional necessity—the burp cloth! For my business, I use the term “nestling” to evoke the nurturing of baby birds by their mother, just like Sammy. I want my products to be of the highest quality to give the best care to those who use them. Head over to the shop to check out our ultra-absorbent curated collection of burp cloths for a great gift or for your own nestling.

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I hope wherever you call home that you are able to experience and connect with nature as I have been able to with Sammy and her three nestlings (and soon to be empty nest)! I would love to hear one of your nature stories. Be sure to tag TU living on Facebook (@TUliving.Kathy) or Twitter and Instagram (@TU_living).